Three Kings Day 2016: 5 Foods You Probably Ate at Dia De Los Reyes Celebration

The Yuletide Season is one of the lengthiest and most celebrated holidays all over the world but did you know that it is particularly long and fun in Spain and Latin America?

These areas are filled with Christians who believe that this event is not done yet until the 12th day of Christmas, or the "Feast of the Epiphany" has been celebrated.

More popularly called the "Three Kings' Day," children in these territories are excited for the "El Día de los Reyes," celebrated on January 6, which marks the Three Kings (also known as the three Wise Men or Magi) adoration of baby Jesus, according to the Huffington Post.

Based on the Gospel of Matthew, the celebration originated from the Wise Men's 12-day journey across the desert to locate the Son of God by following the North Star.

According to The Dream Antilles, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, who represent Europe, Arabia and Africa, brought the baby Jesus their symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

This started the gift-giving tradition in Central and South America, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Spain, where children as well as most adults, polish their shoes on the eve of January 6 and leave them outside for the Kings.

Aside from the gifts, people in Latin America and Spain are also very eager to have a taste of the celebratory food that is traditionally left for the Kings and their camels to feast upon.

Pozole

Among the most popular traditional foods during this time of year in the Hispanic region is the pozole -- a tasty stew with spicy red broth pork that is usually served hot during the "Dia de Los Reyes."

Nothing says "Dia De Los Reyes" better than a "rosca de reyes" or Kings' bread.

This bread -- usually served in the streets of Mexico as a mile-long treat with their native hot chocolate drink-- traditionally contains a small baby Jesus figurine baked inside the bread.

According to the Huffington Post, the one who has the slice of rosca de reyes that contains the figurine has to prepare tamales for his kin on February 2 in celebration of the Day of the Candles or the "Dia De La Candelaria."

Bunuelos

Another popular fritter for Hispanics and other Christians during this time of year is the star-shaped cookie called the "bunuelos."

Shaped like the Star of David, these crispy biscuits are considered a staple during the Dia De Los Reyes.

To make this traditional treat, click this link and follow the recipe.

Ponche

Aside from Mexico's tasty hot chocolate, people who celebrate Dia De Los Reyes also look forward to the hot fruit punch called the "ponche."

Usually made with real apple slices (peeled, of course) and tamarind pods (peeled), this hot punch can be made in three simple steps.

Champurrado

Another hot treat that would surely complete an authentic "Three Kings' Day," is the delicious champurrado -- a chocolate treat spiked with corn flour for thickness.